Chapter 12 - Traditional and existing methods of urban water supply and their loopholes

Abstract

The global population is increasing vigorously every year and is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050. More than 50% of the world's population resides in urban areas and that percentage is set to increase. However, providing every person with pure drinking water, particularly in cities, has not so far been attained, even in developed countries. The water supply system is a key element of providing drinking water for consumption. Its primary purpose is to offer the required amount of water and of suitable quality. Here, the water quality is mainly dependent on the way water is treated during supply. The highest priority issues related to water distribution are the evaluation of public health risks caused by poor water quality, and identification and evaluation of the efficiency of appropriate current technologies and policies. Hence, the traditional methods of water conservation and restoration are a collective form of information, knowledge, practices, and symbols preserved and established by societies with prolonged histories of collaboration with the natural environment in a sustainable manner. The integration of both traditional and modern water systems is used to serve society in a sustainable and technology-friendly way. Numerous archeological finds have demonstrated that water conservation practices were inherent in the science of the ancient world, including India. To improve water quality, distribution, and related health risks of communities, detection of developments, monitoring and modeling, diagnostic procedures, statistical information and knowledge, research and development prospects, and communication approaches all play vital roles. The urban water infrastructure systems are showing the burden of population growth, land use change, industrialization, and climate change, which leads to vulnerabilities in terms of water quality and quantity. Here, the challenge is to develop suitable methodological, scientific, technical, and institutional developments via capacity building responses to these burdens that carefully modify the mode in which urban water schemes are administered.